Composite printer and scan image copying method

ABSTRACT

It is an object of the present invention, when using image scanner(s) to capture image(s) of original(s) and using printer(s) to print same, to enable four-sided borderless copying such that margin(s) do not appear on printout(s). An image scanner might capture an image corresponding to scan region  263  which might be somewhat larger than original  262 . Image processing circuitry might then enlarge an image corresponding to scan region  266  (arrow  279 ), converting it into enlarged image  271 . Within enlarged image  271 , the image of original  262  might have been enlarged so as to become image  273 , which might be somewhat larger than printing paper  274 . This enlarged original image  273  which would be present within enlarged image  271  might then be printed by a printer.

FIELD OF ART

[0001] The present invention pertains to a hybrid printer and a scanimage copying method.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In recent years, depending upon the printer in question, it hasin some cases become possible to carry out what is called four-sidedborderless printing—in which printing is carried out over the entiretyof the printed surface of the printing paper—of images based on datasubject to printing. Furthermore, standalone printers capable of causingprescribed data to be printed on printing paper in standalone fashionwithout the need to connect to host apparatuses-representative amongwhich are personal computers and the like-have come into widespread use.Also appearing on the scene are hybrid printers in which scannercapabilities have been further added to such standalone printers suchthat images captured by means of scanner mechanisms can be printed ontoprinting paper in direct fashion by means of printer mechanisms withoutintervention by host apparatuses.

[0003] With a hybrid printer, because connection to a host apparatus isnot required, a user might typically place an original on an originalstage and operate a control panel provided on a main body so as to giveprint instructions to the standalone printer, and this might then causesame to be scanned by the scanner mechanism, following which printingthereof by the printer mechanism might be automatically carried out, asa result of which print results could be obtained.

[0004] It has been the case with such hybrid printers, when printing iscarried out as a result of instruction to cause printer mechanism todirectly perform four-sided borderless printing of image captured fromoriginal by scanner mechanism onto printing paper identical in size tooriginal, that, because scan region capable of being captured by scanmechanism is smaller than entire original surface region by amountcorresponding to prescribed margins (hereinafter “scanner margins”),such scanner margins appear in unabated fashion on printing paper,making it impossible to obtain satisfactory print results. Improvementof mechanical precision in connection with both scanning and printing inorder to adjust such discrepancy between scan regions of scannermechanism and print region of printer mechanism has been a problem fromthe standpoint of product cost. Particularly with the aforementionedstandalone-printer sort of hybrid printer, because individual usersrepresent the primary target of sales activities, there is a strongdesire to keep product costs to a minimum.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to make itpossible in the context of hybrid printer to carry out four-sidedborderless printing without occurrence of margin region even when imagecaptured by scanner mechanism is printed by printer mechanism.

[0006] A hybrid printer in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention comprises an original stage; a scanner scanning scan region ofthe original stage and outputting image data corresponding to the scanregion; a controller controlling the scan region; an image processorprocessing the image data output from the scanner; and a printer usingthe image data output by the processor to carry out printing at a printmedium. The controller may be capable of controlling the scan region soas to cause the scan region to match or be larger than an originalregion detected or assumed to exist at the original stage in order topermit the scan region to encompass the original region. The processormay be capable of enlarging, so as to be larger than the size of theprint medium, the image data corresponding to the original regionencompassed by the image data corresponding to the scan region from thescanner. The print engine may be capable of carrying out printing at theprint medium by using the image data corresponding to the originalregion enlarged by the processor so as to be larger than the size of theprint medium to.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, processing may be carried out in whichthe original region of the original stage is assumed to exist based on auser-specified original size. Furthermore, the controller may be capableof controlling the scan region so as to cause the scan region to be aregion enlarged outward to accommodate a prescribed top, bottom, left,and right margin around the assumed original region.

[0008] In another preferred embodiment, the scanner may be capable ofcarrying out prescanning in which, prior to scanning of the scan region,the original stage is scanned and the original stage image data isoutput. Furthermore, an actual original region on the original stage maybe detected based on original stage image data obtained as a result ofsuch prescanning. Furthermore, the controller may be capable ofcontrolling the scan region so as to cause the scan region to match thedetected original region or to be a region enlarged outward toaccommodate a prescribed top, bottom, left, and right margin around thedetected original region.

[0009] Still another embodiment may further comprise a print startcontroller controlling print start location of the print engines incorrespondence to magnification at which the image data corresponding tothe original region is enlarged by the processor.

[0010] A hybrid printer in accordance with another aspect of the presentinvention comprises an original stage; a scanner scanning a scan regionof the original stage and outputting image data corresponding to thescan region; a controller controlling the scan region; image processorprocessing the image data output from the scanner; and a printer usingthe image data output by the processor to carry out printing at a printmedium. The controller may be capable of controlling the scan region soas to cause the scan region to be smaller than an original regiondetected or assumed to exist at the original stage in order to permitthe original region to encompass the scan region. The processor may becapable of enlarging, so as to be larger than the size of the printmedium, the image data corresponding to the scan region from thescanner. The print engine may be capable of using the image datacorresponding to the scan region enlarged by the processor so as to belarger than the size of the print medium to carry out printing at theprint medium.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the controller controls the scanregion so as to cause the scan region to be a region reduced inward fromthe original region by prescribed scanner margins. Furthermore, theprocessor enlarges the image data corresponding to the scan region so asto cause the image data corresponding to the scan region to be the sizeobtainable by enlarging outward to accommodate the prescribed printermargin around the size of the print medium. Here, the scanner margin maybe set so as to be smaller than the printer margin.

[0012] Still another embodiment may further comprise a print startcontroller controlling a print start location of the print engine incorrespondence to a magnification at which the image data correspondingto the original region is enlarged by the processor.

[0013] A hybrid printer in accordance with yet another aspect of thepresent invention comprises an original stage; a scanner scanning a scanregion of the original stage and outputting image data corresponding tothe scan region; processor processing the image data corresponding tothe scan region from the scanner and creating print image data; aprinter using the print image data from the processor to carry outprinting at a print medium; and a selector selecting a mode from amongat least two of a plurality of varieties of copy modes including anormal copy mode, a borderless copy mode, and a unity magnificationmode. Furthermore, the processor,

[0014] (1) when the normal copy mode is selected, creates, either withor without alteration of the size of the image data corresponding to thescan region, the print image data in such manner as to cause it to besmaller in size than the size of the print medium;

[0015] (2) when the borderless copy mode is selected, creates, withalteration of the size of the image data corresponding to the scanregion, the print image data in such manner as to cause it to be largerin size than the size of the print medium; and/or

[0016] (3) when the unity magnification copy mode is selected, createsthe print image data without alteration of the size of the image datacorresponding to the scan region.

[0017] A preferred embodiment may further comprise a print startcontroller controlling a print start location of the print engines incorrespondence to the mode selected by the selector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the external appearance of a hybridprinter associated with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration ofhybrid printer 1 associated with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 3 is a drawing showing characteristic portions associatedwith borderless printing.

[0021]FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining adjustment of printmagnification associated with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining adjustment of printmagnification associated with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining operation of a hybrid printerassociated with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 7 is a drawing showing copying as might occur when carryingout operations in accordance with a NORMAL COPY MODE.

[0025]FIG. 8 is a drawing showing copying as might occur when carryingout operations in accordance with a COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE.

[0026]FIG. 9 is a drawing showing copying as might occur when carryingout operations in accordance with a QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE.

[0027]FIG. 10 is a drawing showing copying as might occur when employingthe QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE of FIG. 9 and when printer margin 45C ischanged.

[0028]FIG. 11 is a drawing showing copying as might occur when employingthe QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE of FIGS. 9 and 10 and when printer margin45C is changed.

[0029]FIG. 12 is a drawing showing, in the context of a QUASI-BORDERLESSCOPY MODE, a plurality of print start locations respectivelycorresponding to a plurality of copy magnifications settable based onprinter margin 45C.

[0030]FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing flow of processing in connectionwith copying such as might be carried out in the context of a multimodehybrid printer.

[0031]FIG. 14 is a drawing showing, during adjustment of copymagnification by page fitting functionality in the context of aQUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE, a plurality of print start locationsrespectively corresponding to a plurality of copy magnificationssettable based on printer margin 45C.

[0032]FIG. 15 is a drawing showing an example of a printer marginadjustment screen.

[0033]FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing constitution and function ofthe principal parts of another embodiment of a hybrid printer inaccordance with the present invention.

[0034]FIG. 17 is a plan view of an original stage for explaining scanregion(s) in the context of four-sided borderless copying.

[0035]FIG. 18 is a drawing showing image size(s) for explaining imageenlargement processing 221 and cropping processing 232 in the context offour-sided borderless copying.

[0036]FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing constitution and function ofthe principal parts of yet another embodiment of a hybrid printer inaccordance with the present invention.

[0037]FIG. 20 is a plan view of an original stage for explainingoriginal stage scan region(s) during prescan and during main scan in thecontext of four-sided borderless copying.

[0038]FIG. 21 is a drawing showing image size(s) for explaining imageenlargement processing 321 and cropping processing 333 in the context offour-sided borderless copying.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

[0039] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described withreference to the drawings.

[0040]FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the external appearance of a hybridprinter associated with a first embodiment of the present invention.This hybrid printer 1 has scanner functionality by which it capturesdocument(s) or other such original(s) in the form of scan image data,and has printer functionality by which it converts scan image data,application data, and/or other such data subject to printing into printimage data and carries out printing on printing paper. Provided at theinterior of hybrid printer 1 there is or are control apparatus(es),control being carried out in comprehensive fashion and various functionsbeing implemented thereby.

[0041] As shown in same drawing, provided at the top of the main body ofhybrid printer 1 there are liquid crystal panel(s) and various buttonsforming user interface(s) 11. User(s) can, by way of this user interface11, scan original(s), give print instructions, enter various settingsrelated to conditions in connection with scan, settings related toprinting conditions, and so forth.

[0042] Furthermore, provided at the top of the main body of hybridprinter 1 there are original stage(s) 12, having glass surface(s) forplacement of original(s), and cover(s) 13. While not shown in thedrawing, provided beneath original stage(s) 12 there are light source(s)for irradiating, with light, original(s) placed on glass surface(s) oforiginal stage(s) 12, and optical sensor(s) receiving such light afterit is reflected. Upon accepting image scan instruction(s) and/orprinting instruction(s) from user(s) by way of user interface(s) 11,hybrid printer 1 captures original(s) placed on original stage(s) 12 inthe form of scan image data which is stored in prescribed data format(s)in internal memory or memories. Hybrid printer 1 then carries outprinting on printing paper based on scan image data stored in memory ormemories. Following printing, hybrid printer 1 discharges printing paperinto discharge tray 14.

[0043] Furthermore, provided at the front of the main body of hybridprinter 1 there are card slot(s) 15 serving as external interface(s).Card slot(s) 14 might, for example, conform to PCMCIA specification(s),and might be constructed so as to permit insertion and removal of memorycard(s) (not shown) conforming to such specification(s). When a memorycard is, for example, inserted in card slot 15 and presence thereof hasbeen detected, hybrid printer 1 might display a message at liquidcrystal panel(s) soliciting instruction(s) for execution of printing. Inresponse thereto, a user might perform operations for setting ofprinting conditions as necessary (or not) and might give printinstruction(s). Hybrid printer 1, upon accepting print instruction(s)from user(s), would read image-containing data recorded on memorycard(s) and carry out printing on printing paper. Following printing,hybrid printer 1 would discharge printing paper into discharge tray 14.

[0044]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration ofhybrid printer 1 associated with the present embodiment. Processor(s) 21execute various control programs. That is, execution by processor(s) 21of various programs stored in ROM(s) 22 causes prescribed functionalityor functionalities of hybrid printer 1 to be implemented in conjunctionwith other hardware. In the present embodiment, at least user interfacefunctionality, scanner functionality, image creation functionality,print control functionality, and the like are implemented.

[0045] External interface circuitry 24 is for making it possible forprocessor(s) 21 to access memory card(s) 2 present in card slot(s) 15.After image-containing data stored on memory card(s) is loaded intoRAM(s) 23 by way of this external interface circuitry 24, processor(s)21 create image data based on that image-containing data in accordancewith any printing conditions which may have been set.

[0046] Scanner circuitry 25 is for scanning original(s) placed onoriginal stage(s) 12 and capturing same in the form of scan image data.After scan image data captured by this scanner circuitry 29 is loadedinto RAM(s) 23, processor(s) 21 create print image data based on scanimage data in accordance with any printing conditions which may havebeen set. Scanner circuitry 25 employed may be such as will accommodateimage input technique(s) (reducing-type optical technique(s) in whichlens(es) are used to scan reduced image(s) of original(s), contact-typeoptical technique(s) in which CCD(s) as wide as original(s) are used toscan original(s) at unity magnification, etc.). Furthermore, scannercircuitry 25 employed may be such as will accommodate prescribedmethod(s) for scanning of original color information (method(s)involving combination of monochromatic CCD(s) and color filter(s),method(s) employing color linear CCD(s) which themselves have colorseparating capability, etc.).

[0047] Image memory or memories 26 are for storing print image datawhich has been created. Engine controller(s) 27 control operation ofprint engine(s) 28, and at the same time, read print image data storedin image memory or memories 26 and supply same to print engine(s) 28.Activation of engine controller(s) 27 might, for example, be triggeredby command(s) to execute printing sent from processor(s) 21 at time(s)when print image data of a prescribed width of band have been expanded,the expanded data being written to image memory or memories 26.

[0048] Print engine(s) 28—comprising, for example, paper feedmechanism(s), printhead(s), and so forth-are for carrying out printingon paper or other such print medium or media. Print engine(s) 28employed may be such as will accommodate use in such types of printersas laser printers, serial printers, and/or the like.

[0049] User interface circuitry 29 is for controlling user interface 11,which is implemented by means of liquid crystal panel(s) and variousbuttons.

[0050]FIG. 3 is a drawing showing, in schematic fashion, characteristicportions of a print mechanism accommodating borderless printing.

[0051] Provided in the discharge path of paper 113 which is fed by paperfeed mechanism(s) within hybrid printer 1 is/are platen(s) 111supporting paper 113 from the side thereof opposite the side thereofwhich receives the jetted ink. Embedded within platen(s) 111, atlocation(s) facing path(s) of travel of carriage(s) 115, is/are inkabsorber(s) 116 for absorbing ink jetted from printhead(s) incarriage(s) 115.

[0052] Ink absorber 116—being, for example, urethane resin—is long in adirection parallel to the direction of travel of carriage 115 and is ofconstant width in a direction parallel to the paper feed direction. Thisbeing the case, even if ink is jetted above the top edge or below thebottom edge of paper 113 in accompaniment to reciprocating travel ofcarriage 115, because such ink will be received by and absorbed by inkabsorber 116, platen 111 will not be soiled by ink jetted beyond theedges of paper 113.

[0053] Furthermore, at ink absorber 116, right edge portion 117A, leftedge portion 117D, and prescribed portions 117B and 117C therebetween,are widened (i.e., elongated) in the paper feed direction and in thedirection opposite thereto. This being the case, even if ink is jettedto the left of the left edge or to the right of the right edge of paper113 in accompaniment to reciprocating travel of carriage 115, becausesuch ink will be received by and absorbed by ink absorber 116, platen111 will not be soiled by ink jetted beyond the edges of paper 113.Moreover, because the widened portion(s) are only specific portions 117Athrough 117D of ink absorber 116, the paper size(s) for which it ispossible to carry out borderless printing without soiling of platen 111may be all of the plurality of paper sizes which hybrid printer 1 iscapable of accommodating; or alternatively, may be limited to a numberof specific sizes, e.g., standard A4 size (210 mm×297 mm), B5 size (182mm×257 mm), and the Japanese postcard size (100 mm×148 mm). If the sizeof paper 113 is, for example, A4 size, ink absorber 116 would absorb inkjetted beyond the left edge and right edge of paper 113 at portions 117Aand 117D; if the size of paper 113 is, for example, B5 size, inkabsorber 116 would absorb ink jetted beyond the left edge and right edgeof paper 113 at portions 1171B and 117D; and if the size of paper 113is, for example, Japanese postcard size, ink absorber 116 would absorbink jetted beyond the left edge and right edge of paper 113 at portions117C and 117D.

[0054] In accordance with a constitution such as the foregoing, soilingof platen 11 by ink jetted beyond paper 113 does not occur even whenborderless printing is carried out (note that more specific detail withrespect to the constitution described with reference to FIG. 3 can befound in the specifications and drawings attached to patent applicationspreviously filed by the present applicant (Japanese Patent ApplicationNos. 2000-275965 and 2000-295861). Borderless printing may be carriedout responsive to user request when in hybrid printer mode(s) and/orprinter mode(s), described below.

[0055] In the present embodiment, printing is carried out with printmagnification being adjusted during creation of print image data basedon scan image data captured under the control of scanner circuitry 25 insuch manner as to cause printed image(s) to be enlarged relative tooriginal image(s) by amount(s) such as would not appear visually strangeto user(s).

[0056] In the event that scan region(s) captured by scanner mechanism(s)are to be formed so as to, for example, include region(s) outsideperiphery or peripheries of original(s), print magnification might beadjusted so as to yield enlargement such as will cause perimeterboundary portion(s) of original(s) to correspond to perimeter boundaryportion(s) of printing paper. Furthermore, in the event that scanregion(s) to be captured by scanner mechanism(s) are to be formed atregion(s) inside perimeter(s) of original(s), adjustment of the printmagnification might be carried out so as to yield enlargement such aswill cause perimeter boundary portion(s) of such region(s) insideperimeter(s) to correspond to outside edge boundary portion(s) ofprinting paper. However, in either case, it is preferred not that thetwo perfectly overlap and match, but that, allowing for error(s),outside edge boundary portion(s) of printing paper be slightly exceeded.Print magnification is defined based on the relationship between scanregion(s) and actual original size(s), a print magnification of on theorder of 104% to 106% being preferred, and a print magnification of onthe order of 105% being still more preferred.

[0057] In more specific terms, as an example of the former, where—asshown in FIG. 4—an original is captured at hybrid printer 1 with A4 sizebeing specified as original size, the image (scan image) that isactually captured might be a scan region which includes the regionoutside the periphery of that original. In this case, because thatoutside region is a superfluous region which is not supposed to appearin the print results, print magnification is adjusted so as to yieldenlargement such as will cause perimeter boundary portion A of theactual original to correspond to perimeter boundary portion A′ of theprinting paper when four-sided borderless printing is carried out. Thisbeing the case, superfluous region(s) is/are not printed and it ispossible to obtain print results capable of satisfying users whenfour-sided borderless printing is carried out.

[0058] Furthermore, as an example of the latter, where—as shown in FIG.5—an original is captured at hybrid printer 1 with A4 size beingspecified as original size, the image that is actually captured might bea scan region in which the region inside the original-size perimeter isa margin-like region. In such case, because printing this withoutfurther modification would cause the margin-like region to appear in theprint results, print magnification is adjusted so as to yieldenlargement such as will cause inside boundary portion A of the regioninside the perimeter of the original to correspond to outside edgeboundary portion A′ of the printing paper when four-sided borderlessprinting is carried out. This being the case, margin-like region(s)produced where capture was not possible at the time of capture is/arenot printed and it is possible to obtain print results capable ofsatisfying users when four-sided borderless printing is carried out.

[0059]FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining operation of hybrid printer 1associated with the present embodiment. At same FIG., the series ofprocessing steps occurring following capture of original(s) in the formof image(s) by means of scanner functionality up to the point in timewhen printing thereof is carried out by means of printing functionalityis shown in a single flowchart.

[0060] To wit, when a user places an original on original stage 12,closes cover 13, and operates user interface 11 so as to give image scaninstruction(s) and/or printing instruction(s), hybrid printer 1, underthe control of scanner circuitry 209, controls the scanner mechanism andcarries out operations for scanning of the original, the scanned imagebeing temporarily stored at RAM 23 in the form of scan image data (step501). Following completion of scanning by the scanner mechanism, hybridprinter 1 converts the scan image data into print image data which isexpanded, the expanded data being written to image memory 26. At thistime, hybrid printer 1 carries out conversion into image data consistentwith a print magnification (e.g., 105%) which has been previously set soas to cause the print image to be enlarged relative to the initial image(original image) (step 502). Moreover, following conclusion ofconversion into image data, hybrid printer 1 supplies the image datawhich has been stored in image memory 26 to print engine 28, and carriesout printing on printing paper (step 503). Note also that supply ofprint image data to print engine 28 may be initiated at the stage whereprint image data of a prescribed width of band(s) have been stored atimage memory 26.

[0061] As described above, in accordance with the present embodiment,because print image data is created based on captured scan image datawith print magnification being adjusted in such manner as to causeprinted image(s) to be enlarged relative to original image(s) byamount(s) such as would not appear visually strange to user(s) andprinting is carried out in accordance with such created print imagedata, even where scan region(s) during capture of image(s) containsuperfluous region(s) and/or contain margin-like region(s) in the eventthat it is not possible to capture the entire original, such superfluousregion(s) and/or margin-like region(s) will not appear in print resultsand it is possible to obtain results capable of satisfying users whenfour-sided borderless printing is carried out. In particular, thepresent embodiment makes it possible to address user demand with respectto ability to achieve satisfactory four-sided borderless printing whilekeeping product cost to a minimum and without the need to improve themechanical precision of the scanner mechanism and/or the printmechanism.

[0062] Next, another embodiment of a hybrid printer in accordance withthe present invention will be described.

[0063] Such a hybrid printer might, for example, have a constitutionsuch as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and might, moreover, be provided notonly with hybrid printer functionality but also with functionalitypermitting it to also serve as standalone image scanner andfunctionality permitting it to also serve as standalone inkjet printer.Such a hybrid printer might have user-selectable scanner mode(s),printer mode(s), and hybrid printer mode(s), such modes being capable ofbeing entered in alternative fashion in response to user request; i.e.,such hybrid printer might be capable of being used in multimode fashion(such a hybrid printer will hereinafter be referred to as a “multimodehybrid printer”).

[0064] In the event that scanner mode has been specified, the multimodehybrid printer might carry out processing whereby image(s) oforiginal(s) placed at prescribed location(s) on original stage(s) is/areoptically scanned, scan image data is created, and such scan image datais sent to personal computer(s) and/or other such host apparatus(es),not shown. In the event that printer mode has been specified, themultimode hybrid printer might carry out processing whereby print imagedata is received from host apparatus(es), not shown, and image(s)represented by such print image data is/are printed on user-specifiedprinting paper. In the event that hybrid printer mode has beenspecified, the multimode hybrid printer might carry out processingwhereby print image data is created based on scan image data created asa result of scanning of original(s) placed on original stage(s), andprint image(s) represented by such print image data is/are printed onuser-specified printing paper.

[0065] Provided at control panel(s), not shown, provided at themultimode hybrid printer there are a plurality of buttons for enteringdesired setting(s) at and/or giving desired command(s) to the multimodehybrid printer, and display screen(s) at which current mode setting(s)of the multimode hybrid printer, status(es) of the multimode hybridprinter, and/or the like may be displayed. User(s) can use such controlpanel(s) to switch among scanner mode(s), printer mode(s), and hybridprinter mode(s). Furthermore, within hybrid printer mode, user(s) canuse such control panel(s) to selectively specify NORMAL COPY MODE(S),COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE(S), and/or QUASI-BORDERLESS COPYMODE(S), described below, and/or to enter settings with respect tonumber (sets) of copies.

[0066] Below, referring to FIG. 7 and following FIGS., a multimodehybrid printer operating in NORMAL COPY MODE(S), COMPLETELY BORDERLESSCOPY MODE(S), and/or QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE(S) will be described indetail.

[0067]FIG. 7 is a drawing showing results of copying as might occur whenin NORMAL COPY MODE. Note that, in order to simplify the descriptionwhich follows, as shown in this drawing the size of original 43 and thesize of printing paper 47 are assumed to be identical, and copymagnification is assumed to be “unity magnification” (and the same isalso assumed to be true with respect to FIGS. 8 through 11, below).

[0068] NORMAL COPY MODE is a mode for causing the image of original 43to be copied with margin-like space(s). Notwithstanding that othermode(s) calling for the image of original 43 to be copied withoutborder(s) (i.e., COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE and/or QUASI-BORDERLESSCOPY MODE) may have been set, NORMAL COPY MODE is the mode that willautomatically be entered in the event that the size of printing paper 47is not among the aforementioned specific size(s) accommodatingborderless printing.

[0069] In NORMAL COPY MODE, normal-copy printer margin(s) 45A (e.g., +3mm) is/are set such as is/are sufficient to definitively prevent inkfrom being jetted beyond the edges of printing paper 47 due to variationin print start location (or, stated from a different perspective, suchas is/are sufficient to definitively cause formation of margin-likespaces at the top, bottom, left, and right edges of printing paper 47despite variation in print start location).

[0070] Furthermore, in NORMAL COPY MODE, scanner margin(s) 41 is/are setsuch as will permit the image of original 43 to be definitively scanneddespite variation in original scan start location. Scanner margin(s) 41is/are ordinarily set to value(s) (e.g., 1.5 mm) which is/are smallerthan normal-copy printer margin(s) 45A (similar value(s) also being setfor same in the other modes COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE andQUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE). The reason for this is that it is possibleto achieve a mechanical precision with image scanner 23 that is higherthan that of printer 24, as a result of which it is possible to achievea variation in original scan start location that is smaller than thevariation in print start location.

[0071] Copying might take place as follows when in NORMAL COPY MODE.

[0072] To wit, at original 43 which has been placed on an originalstage, an image scanner might scan the locus (i.e., scan region) 44 tothe interior of previously set scanner margin 41. As a result, scannercircuitry creates scan image data representing scan image 80 presentwithin scan region 44.

[0073] Processor(s) within the multimode copy apparatus correct the sizeof scan image 80 represented by scan image data, transforming it into asize such as will fit inside region (print region) 100 on printing paper47 which is stepped inward from the edge(s) of printing paper 47 by theamount of normal-copy printer margin 45A, creating print image datarepresenting scan image 44A which has been corrected in size, and causescan image 44A to be printed on printing paper 47 based on that printimage data.

[0074] More specifically, based on normal-copy printer margin 45A,processor(s) within the multimode copy apparatus crop portion(s) 44B,identical in width to normal-copy printer margin 45A, from portion(s)containing the right edge and bottom edge of scan image 80. Moreover,from portion(s) containing the top edge and left edge of the rectangularregion which remains after cropping, processor(s) crop portion(s) 44Ccontaining the margin(s) remaining after scanner margin 41 is subtractedfrom normal-copy printer margin 45A (portion(s) 44C may, instead ofbeing portion(s) containing the top edge and left edge, be portion(s)containing the bottom edge and right edge). In addition, processor(s)control engine controller(s) such that printing is carried out on paper47 so as to cause the portion 44A to be printed which remains after theaforementioned portion(s) 44B and portion(s) 44C have been cropped fromscan image 80 (i.e., the scan image after correction in size) to bepositioned in the center of printing paper 47 (i.e., so as to cause thecenter of the portion 44A to be printed to coincide with the center ofprinting paper 47). As a result, margin-like spaces equal to normal-copyprinter margin 45A are formed in the vicinities of the top, bottom,left, and right edges of printing paper 47 on which the portion 44A tobe printed has been printed. Note that the print start location forcausing the portion 44A to be printed to be positioned in the center ofpaper 47 may, with the upper left corner of the portion 44A to beprinted serving as reference point, have been determined in advance ormay be determined based on calculation performed during printing of eachpage.

[0075] By means of a method such as the foregoing, it is possible tocarry out copying at unity magnification with formation of margin-likespaces equal to printer margin 45A even where scanner margin 41 issmaller than printer margin 45A.

[0076]FIG. 8 is a drawing showing results of copying as might occur whenin COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE.

[0077] COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE is a mode for causing the imageof original 43 to be copied completely without formation of margin-likespace(s) (execution of this mode may not be possible unless, forexample, the size of printing paper 47 is among the aforementionedspecific size(s) accommodating borderless printing).

[0078] In COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE, scan image 80 is printed onprinting paper 47 such that it is enlarged so as to be a size which islarger than the size of printing paper 47. As scan image size(s) whichwill definitively ensure successful borderless printing, considering thevariation in print start location attributable to the mechanicalprecision of the print mechanism of the multimode hybrid printer, where,for example, the scan image is disposed in the center of paper 47,size(s) might be employed such as is/are sufficient to cause such imageto extend at least approximately 3 mm beyond the top, bottom, left, andright edges of the printing paper. Considering the width(s) of suchoverextending portion(s) 200 to be “printer margin(s)” under a broaddefinition of that term, completely-borderless-copy printer margin 45Bis set in advance and copying is carried out based on this printermargin 45B when in COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE.Completely-borderless-copy printer margin 45B, which is such as to causethe size of the printed image to be a size definitively extending beyondthe edges of paper 47 and which is thus set with the intention ofcausing printing to be carried out such that margin-like space(s) aredefinitively not formed, is in a symmetric relationship with normal-copyprinter margin 45A, which is such as to cause the entire printed imageto definitively fit within the confines of paper 47 and which is thusset with the intention of preventing jetting of ink beyond the edges ofpaper 11 and soiling of platen 11. In the present embodiment, therefore,the size of normal-copy printer margin 45A will be represented by apositive value, and completely-borderless-copy printer margin 45B willbe represented by a negative value (e.g., −3 mm).

[0079] Now, copying might take place as follows when in COMPLETELYBORDERLESS COPY MODE.

[0080] To wit, scanner circuitry acquires scan image 80 by scanning animage of the region (i.e., scan region) on original 43 which is steppedinward from the edge(s) of original 43 by the amount of previously setscanner margin 41.

[0081] Processor(s) within the multimode hybrid printer enlarge acquiredscan image 80, creating image 80A, consistent with printer margin 45B.Note, however, that the magnification by which image 80A is enlarged atthis time is, taking scan image 80 to be 100, definitively less thanwould be the case were conventional borderless-printing printertechnology to be applied without modification to a conventional hybridprinter. The reason for this is that, in the present embodiment, scannermargin 41 is not set so as to be equal in size to the large printermargin 45A employed for normal copying but is set to a small sizeconsistent with the high mechanical precision of the scanner mechanism.As a result, copying can be carried out at magnification(s) close tounity magnification even when borderless copying is being carried out.

[0082] Now, having enlarged scan image 80 and transformed it into image(hereinafter “enlarged scan image”) 80A, processor(s) control enginecontroller(s) so as to cause enlarged scan image 80A to be printed onpaper 47 such that center C1 of original 43 at enlarged scan image 80Acoincides with center C2 of printing paper 47 representing copy results.As a result, an image of the scan region of original 43 is copied inborderless fashion at the center of printing paper 47 (but note thatsince scan image 80 is enlarged so as to be larger than the size ofprinting paper 47, this does not mean that the entire expanse of scanimage 80 will fall on paper 47). Note that the print start location forcarrying out such copying may have been determined in advance or may bedetermined based on calculation performed during printing of each page.

[0083]FIG. 9 is a drawing showing results of copying as might occur whenin QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE.

[0084] QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE is a mode for obtaining a borderlessimage of an original but at magnification(s) closer to desired copymagnification(s) (e.g., unity magnification) than would be the case withCOMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE.

[0085] In QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE, the printer margin(s) (hereinafter“quasi-borderless-copy printer margin(s)”) 45C which is/are set is/areof size(s) (e.g., −1.5 mm) smaller than normal-copy printer margin(s)45A (e.g., +3 mm) but larger than completely-borderless-copy printermargin(s) 45B (e.g., −3 mm). This being the case, in QUASI-BORDERLESSCOPY MODE, enlarged scan image 80B is, when printed, larger than a sizesuch as will fit inside the region on printing paper 47 which is steppedinward from the edge(s) of printing paper 47 by the amount ofnormal-copy printer margin 45A, but smaller than the size of scannedimage 80A as printed when in COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE. As aresult, when copying is carried out in QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE, itwill be the case either that absolutely no margin-like space is formedor, if margin-like space(s) is/are formed, that margin-like space(s)narrower in width than would be the case with NORMAL COPY MODE is/areformed at at least one edge of printing paper 47. Because copying may becarried out completely without formation of margin-like space(s), itwill not be possible to execute QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE unless thesize of printing paper 47 is among the aforementioned specific size(s)accommodating borderless printing, just as was the case with COMPLETELYBORDERLESS COPY MODE.

[0086] Copying may be carried out in QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE in thesame fashion as in COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE.

[0087] To wit, scanner circuitry acquires scan image 80 by scanning animage of the region on original 43 which is stepped inward from theedge(s) of original 43 by the amount of previously set scanner margin41.

[0088] Processor(s) within the multimode hybrid printer enlarge acquiredscan image 80 and create image (hereinafter “enlarged scan image”) 80Bconsistent with printer margin 45C. The magnification of enlarged scanimage 80B at this time is, taking the initial scan image 80 to be 100,less than would be the case with COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE, as wasstated above. As a result, in the event that borderless printing issuccessful, the image produced as a result of copying will be an imagewhich is closer to the desired magnification(s) (e.g., unitymagnification) than would be the case for a borderless image produced inCOMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE.

[0089] Now, having created enlarged scan image 80B, processor(s) controlengine controller(s) so as to cause enlarged scan image 80B to beprinted on paper 47 such that center C1 of original 43 at enlarged scanimage 80B coincides with center C2 of printing paper 47 representingcopy results. As a result, image 80 of the scan region of original 43can be copied in borderless fashion at the center of printing paper 47.Note that the print start location for carrying out such copying mayhave been determined in advance or may be determined based oncalculation performed during printing of each page.

[0090] Above, QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE has been described. Note that,in this mode, printer margin(s) 45C may be any size whatsoever so longas the aforementioned condition is satisfied (i.e., printer margin(s)45C must be within the range from normal-copy printer margin 45A tocompletely-borderless-copy printer margin 45B). For example, as shown inFIG. 10, employing a quasi-borderless-copy printer margin 45C of 0 mmwill permit (but not definitively however) execution of completelyborderless copying at copy magnification(s) closest to that or thosedesired by user(s) (e.g., unity magnification). Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 11, employing a quasi-borderless-copy printer margin 45C of 1.5mm—the same as scanner margin 41—will permit execution of substantiallycompletely borderless copying (some small margin-like space(s) beingformed) but at copy magnification(s) exactly matching that or thoserequested by user(s) (in which case, scan image 80 may be printedwithout modification or may be printed after first cropping awaytherefrom prescribed portion(s) 44D consistent withquasi-borderless-copy-mode printer margin 45C).

[0091] Furthermore, in QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE, quasi-borderless-copyprinter margin 45C may be automatically adjusted within theaforementioned range in accordance with prescribed algorithm(s) (e.g.,based on the state of the multimode hybrid printer). More specifically,automatic adjustment of magnification(s) of scan image 80 within aspecific range (e.g., within a range from 100% to 105% where the copymagnification desired by the user is 100% (unity magnification)) mightcause quasi-borderless-copy-mode printer margin 45C to be automaticallyadjusted within the aforementioned range. Referring to the example shownin FIG. 12, in the event that the magnification of scan image 80 isadjusted, the print start location of scan image 80A as enlarged basedon adjusted magnification may itself be adjusted based on calculationand/or preprepared table(s) (table(s) recording respective print startlocation(s) corresponding to respective magnification(s)).

[0092] Below, referring to FIG. 13, flow of processing in connectionwith copying such as might be carried out in the context of theaforementioned multimode hybrid printer is described. Note that, in thedescription which follows, original and printing paper sizes are forconvenience of description assumed to be identical, and printing papersize(s) are assumed to be size(s) accommodating completely borderlesscopying. Furthermore, the copy magnification specified by the user isassumed to be unity magnification.

[0093] When a copy start button (not shown) on a control panel ispressed, the multimode hybrid printer begins copying (step S0).

[0094] At such time, in the event that the mode specified by the user isNORMAL COPY MODE (NORMAL COPY MODE at S1), flow of processing might beas follows (note that the following description is made with referenceto FIG. 13).

[0095] That is, an image of the original placed on the original stage isfirst scanned (S2) consistent with scanner margin 41 (e.g., 1.5 mm), andscan image 80 is acquired. In addition, this scan image 80 is croppedconsistent with normal-copy printer margin 45A (e.g., 3 mm), perimeterportion(s) 44B and portion(s) 44C thereof being removed therefrom in themanner as has already been described (S3). Print start location(s) ofportion(s) 44A which remain after cropping is/are adjusted based oncalculation and/or preprepared table(s) as described above (S8), andportion(s) 44A is/are thereafter printed at the approximate center ofprinting paper 47 (S9).

[0096] Furthermore, at the start of copying (step S0), in the event thatthe mode specified by the user is COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE(COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE at S1), flow of processing might be asfollows (note that the following description is made with reference toFIG. 12 and with reference to FIG. 7).

[0097] That is, an image of the original placed on the original stage isfirst scanned (S4), and scan image 80 is acquired. In addition, thisscan image 80 is enlarged consistent with completely-borderless-copyprinter margin 45B (e.g., −3 mm) (S5). Print start location(s) ofenlarged scan image(s) 80A is/are adjusted based on calculation and/orpreprepared table(s) as described above (S8), and enlarged scan image(s)80A is/are thereafter printed on printing paper 47 (S9).

[0098] Furthermore, at the start of copying (step S0), in the event thatthe mode specified by the user is QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE(QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE at S1), flow of processing might be asfollows (note that the following description is made with reference toFIG. 13 and with reference to FIGS. 9 through 11).

[0099] That is, an image of the original placed on the original stage isfirst scanned (S11), and scan image 80 is acquired. In addition, thesize of this scan image 80 is corrected (i.e., is enlarged somewhat(e.g., enlarged at some magnification between 101% and 105%) or specificportion(s) is/are cropped away therefrom) consistent withquasi-borderless-copy printer margin 45C (quasi-borderless-copy printermargin 45C being, e.g., some value within the range from +3 mm to −3 mm)which may have been set in advance or which may be calculated at thistime, i.e., at the time of copying, using a prescribed algorithm (S7)(but note that correction is unnecessary in the special case where thesize of quasi-borderless-copy printer margin 45C is the same as the sizeof scanner margin 41). Print start location(s) of the size-correctedimage(s) is/are adjusted based on calculation and/or prepreparedtable(s) as described above (S8), and the size-corrected image(s) is/arethereafter printed on printing paper 47 (S9). The foregoing is asequence of operations in connection with copying such as might becarried out in the context of a multimode hybrid printer associated withthe present embodiment.

[0100] Moreover, in this sequence of operations, if the sizes oforiginal 43 and paper 47 are different, the multimode hybrid printermight automatically adjust copy magnification (i.e., might automaticallyadjust the size of the image of the scanned original) based on thedifference in sizes of original 43 and paper 47 (the respective sizes oforiginal 43 and paper 47 may be identified by means of prescribedsensor(s) and/or may be identified as a result of communication by theuser).

[0101] If, for example, original 43 is photograph size L and paper 47 issize A4, copy magnification might be set to 233% in order to permitproper normal copying of the image of original 43 onto the entirety ofpaper 47 (such functionality will hereinafter be referred to as “pagefitting functionality”). In such a case, in order to adjustquasi-borderless-copy printer margin 45C within the aforementioned range(i.e., within the range from normal-copy printer margin 45A tocompletely-borderless-copy printer margin 45B), the multimode hybridprinter might in QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE further adjust within aspecific range (e.g., within a range from 233% to 252%) the copymagnification of “233%” which was obtained as a result of the foregoingadjustment. As shown in FIG. 14, the print start location of the scanimage which has been corrected in size based on adjusted magnificationmay be adjusted based on calculation and/or preprepared table(s)(table(s) recording respective print start location(s) corresponding torespective magnification(s)).

[0102] Furthermore, in the foregoing sequence of operations, whereCOMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE and/or QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE hasbeen specified despite the fact that size(s) of printing paper 47specified by user(s) is/are not size(s) accommodating borderlessprinting, message(s) to the effect that specified copy mode(s) cannot beexecuted might be displayed at display screen(s) at control panel(s).

[0103] Furthermore, in the foregoing sequence of operations, where copymagnification(s) greater than unity magnification (i.e., for enlargedcopy or copies) and/or copy magnification(s) less than unitymagnification (i.e., for reduced copy or copies) have been specified byuser(s), size(s) of scan image(s) 80 may be enlarged and/or reducedbased on such copy magnification(s). In the event that enlarged and/orreduced image(s) of scanned original(s) do not fit within printregion(s) as defined by printer margin(s) 45A, 45B, and/or 45C in any ofthe several foregoing copy modes, it or they may be corrected in size(i.e., it or they may be reduced and/or portion(s) extending beyondprint region(s) may be cropped off therefrom) so as to cause it or theyto fit within the print region(s). On the other hand, in the event thatenlarged and/or reduced scan image(s) do fit within print region(s) asdefined by printer margin(s) 45A, 45B, and/or 45C, it or they may beprinted at the approximate center of printing paper 47 either withoutfurther modification—there being no particular occasion for sizecorrection-or after first being enlarged to size(s) matching such printregion(s).

[0104] Furthermore, in the foregoing sequence of operations, themultimode hybrid printer might accept selection with respect to which isto be given priority: specified copy magnification(s) (and/or copymagnification(s) calculated by means of page fitting functionality) orspecified copy mode(s). In such case, in the event that it is selectedthat priority should be given to copy magnification(s), the multimodehybrid printer would print scan image(s) 80 as corrected in size inaccordance with specified copy magnification(s) without furthermodification even where, as a result of correction of size(s) of suchimage(s) in accordance with such copy magnification(s), printing ofsize-corrected image(s) without further modification would make itimpossible to successfully execute user-specified copy mode(s) (e.g.,where printing would result in formation of margin-like space(s) despitethe fact that COMPLETELY BORDERLESS COPY MODE was specified). On theother hand, in the event that it is specified that priority should begiven to copy mode(s), if printing of image(s) as corrected in size inaccordance with user-specified copy magnification(s) without furthermodification would make it impossible to successfully executeuser-specified copy mode(s) (e.g., when printing would result information of margin-like space(s) despite the fact that COMPLETELYBORDERLESS COPY MODE has been specified), the multimode hybrid printerwould further correct size(s) of size-corrected image(s) so as to makeit possible to successfully execute user-specified copy mode(s) beforeprinting same.

[0105] As described above, in accordance with the foregoing secondembodiment, it is possible for scanner margin 41 to be set to a smallsize consistent with the high mechanical precision of the scannermechanism rather than being set so as to be equal in size to the largeprinter margin 45A employed for normal copying. This makes it possibleto carry out borderless copying at magnification(s) closer to that orthose desired by user(s) (e.g., unity magnification) than would be thecase were conventional borderless-printing printer technology to beapplied without modification to a conventional hybrid printer.

[0106] Furthermore, in accordance with the foregoing second embodiment,a mode, i.e., QUASI-BORDERLESS COPY MODE, for carrying out copying in afashion that is intermediate between normal copying and completelyborderless copying is available. In quasi-borderless copy mode, the sizeof scan image 80 is corrected so as to be larger than would be the casefor normal copying but smaller than would be the case for completelyborderless copying. This being the case, it is possible to carry outcompletely borderless copying at magnification(s) closer tomagnification(s) desired by user(s) (e.g., unity magnification).

[0107] Moreover, variations such as the following could also becontemplated in connection with this second embodiment.

[0108] To wit, printer margin adjustment screen 1000 such as that shownby way of example in FIG. 15 might be displayed at a control panel ofthe multimode hybrid printer (or if a host apparatus is connected to themultimode hybrid printer, at a display screen of the host apparatus).Printer margin adjustment screen 1000 may be employed to freely adjustprinter margin(s) so as to be within prescribed range(s). Below, printermargin adjustment screen 1000 is described in detail (note, moreover,that scanner margin in the present embodiment is assumed to be “1.5mm”).

[0109] Printer margin adjustment screen 1000 is provided with originalsize display area(s) 1001, specified print magnification display area(s)1005, printing paper size display area(s) 1002, printer marginadjustment area(s) 1003, andprint-magnification-after-adjustment-of-printer-margin display area(s)1004.

[0110] Displayed at original size display area 1001 is/are size(s) oforiginal(s) placed on original stage(s) 60. Moreover, original size(s)displayed at this original size display area 1001 may be automaticallyidentified by the multimode hybrid printer and/or may be manually inputby user(s).

[0111] Displayed at printing paper size display area 1002 is/are size(s)of paper on which printing is to be carried out as contained in currentsettings.

[0112] Displayed at specified print magnification display area 1005is/are print magnification(s) (e.g., 100%) as manually specified byuser(s). Moreover, in the event that, for example, original size(s)displayed at original size display area 1001 and printing paper size(s)displayed at printing paper size display area 1002 are different, printmagnification(s) displayed at this area 1005 may be printmagnification(s) as automatically adjusted by page fittingfunctionality.

[0113] Displayed at printer margin adjustment area 1003 in touch panelfashion or in other such fashion as to permit selection thereamong are aplurality of (e.g., five) printer margins. Furthermore, also displayedat printer margin adjustment area 1003 for each of the plurality ofselectable printer margins is a description of what printing would belike if printing were to actually be carried out with that printermargin (this need only be some emblematic representation on the likesufficient to convey a sense of what printing would be like for each).

[0114] Displayed atprint-magnification-after-adjustment-of-printer-margin display area 1004are a plurality of (e.g., five) print magnifications as would resultafter adjustment of printer margin, these respectively corresponding tothe aforementioned plurality of printer margins. “Print magnificationafter adjustment of printer margin” shows how printer margin settingsaffect print magnification for a given specified print magnification.Taking the situation depicted in the drawing, in the event, for example,that 100% printing (i.e., printing at unity magnification) is specified,selecting a printer margin of “1.5 mm”-this being identical in size tothe scanner margin of “1.5 mm”-might result in display to the effectthat 100% printing will definitely be possible. But despite the fact,for example, that 100% printing has been specified, setting printermargin to “−3 mm”—this being considerably different from the scannermargin of “1.5 mm”—might result in display to the effect that printmagnification will increase to 105%. When specified print magnification(i.e., print magnification displayed at specified print magnificationdisplay area 1005) is changed, the respective print magnifications aswould result after adjustment of printer margin which are displayed atprint-magnification-after-adjustment-of-printer-margin display area 1004are automatically changed in correspondence thereto.

[0115] In accordance with the present embodiment, the user can, at thisprinter margin adjustment screen 1000, select desired printer margin(s)from among a plurality of printer margins, with copying being carriedout consistent with the selected printer margin(s). This makes itpossible to accurately obtain copy results as desired.

[0116] Note also that the manner of printer margin adjustment need notbe limited to that shown in FIG. 15. For example, adjustment may beaccomplished by means of increase and/or decrease in prescribedincrements.

[0117] A great many variations are possible with respect to theforegoing embodiments. For example, the printer mechanism employed inthe hybrid printer is not limited to that of an inkjet printer, it beingpossible to employ that of other types of printer; e.g., that of a laserprinter. Furthermore, paper size(s) for which it is possible to carryout borderless printing is/are not limited to the three presented above.Either a greater number or a lesser number of such size(s) is possible(for example, print mechanism(s) 27 and the like may be constituted insuch fashion as to permit photograph size L and/or photograph size 2L tobe paper size(s) for which it is possible to carry out borderlessprinting).

[0118]FIG. 16 shows constitution and function of the principal parts ofyet another embodiment of a hybrid printer in accordance with thepresent invention.

[0119] This hybrid printer has mechanical construction as is shown inFIG. 1; furthermore, as shown in FIG. 16, there are at the interiorthereof scanner circuitry 210, ASIC(s) (Application Specified IC(s))220, firmware (i.e., microprocessor(s) executing firmware) 230, printengine(s) 240, and storage device(s) 250.

[0120] Scanner circuitry 210 carries out image scan processing 211,scanning in image(s) of original(s) placed on original stage(s). At suchtime, firmware 230 carries out scan control 231, controlling image scanprocessing 211 so as to cause scanning of scan region(s) determined incorrespondence to original size(s) specified by user(s). Original scanimage data 251 output from scanner circuitry 210 is temporarily storedin storage device(s) 250 such as, for example, RAM and/or hard drive(s).

[0121] ASIC 220 reads scan image data 251 from storage device 250 andmoreover carries out image enlargement processing 221, enlarging suchscan image data 251 by a certain amount (e.g., enlargement might be 105%when original size is A4, enlargement might be 109% when original sizeis Japanese postcard size, etc.). Enlarged image data 252 is temporarilystored in storage device 250. ASIC 220 thereafter reads enlarged imagedata 252 from storage device 250 and moreover carries out colorconversion/halftoning processing 222, converting such enlarged imagedata 252 (e.g., RGB full-color image data) into enlarged dot image data253 (e.g., CMYK binary image data) by means of which the initial imageis represented in simulated fashion through employment of an ink dotmatrix. Enlarged dot image data 253 is temporarily stored in storagedevice 250. It so happens that in the present embodiment ASIC(s) is/areemployed for carrying out image enlargement processing 221 and colorconversion/halftoning processing 222, but this need not be the case,that being merely presented by way of example. It is also possible tocarry out either image enlargement processing 221 or colorconversion/halftoning processing 222, or both image enlargementprocessing 221 and color conversion/halftoning processing 222, by, forexample, executing firmware or other such computer program instead of orin combination with ASIC(s).

[0122] Firmware 230 reads enlarged dot image data 253 from storagedevice 250 and moreover carries out cropping processing 232, extractingas effective print image data 254 the portion(s) remaining afterdeletion of unwanted perimeter portion(s) from enlarged dot image data253. Extracted print image data 254 is temporarily stored in storagedevice 250 and is thereafter transferred to print engine 240. Printengine 240 uses print image data 254 to drive printhead(s), as a resultof which printout(s) is/are created.

[0123]FIG. 17 shows a plan view of an original stage for explainingoriginal stage scan region(s) scanned by means of scanner circuitry 210in a situation where four-sided borderless copying is being carried out.

[0124] At FIG. 17, reference numeral 260 indicates an original stageframe, this frame being constituted by the hybrid printer housing.Captured within this frame 260 is plate glass original stage 261. A usermight place an original of desired size on glass original stage 261, andmight specify to the hybrid printer that the size of the original soplaced is, for example, A4 or B5. While hybrid printer might notdirectly know the size or location of the original actually placed onglass original stage 261, it might assume that an original 262 of sizeas specified by the user has been placed on glass original stage 261 atstandard location and in standard orientation (e.g., as shown by way ofexample in FIG. 17, at such location and in such orientation as to causethe upper left corner, top (short) edge, and left (long) edge of thatoriginal 262 to respectively match the upper left corner, top (short)edge, and left (long) edge of glass original stage 261). An original 262assumed to exist in this fashion will hereinafter be distinguished froman actual original by referring to same as an “assumed original.”

[0125] Enlarging the region occupied by assumed original 262 on glassoriginal stage 261 somewhat outward therefrom so as to accommodate top,bottom, left, and right margins 264, 265, 266, and 267 of prescribeddimension(s), the hybrid printer establishes such enlarged region 263 asscan region. In other words, scan region 263 is established in suchmanner as to cause assumed original 262 to be completely enclosed byscan region 263 with sufficient clearance therebetween to accommodatetop, bottom, left, and right margins 264, 265, 266. By thus causing scanregion 263 to be established such that it is larger by appropriateamount(s) than assumed original 262, the actual original will in mostcases, so long as the size of the actual original placed on originalstage 261 matches the size specified by the user, lie within the actualscan region (meaning that the entire region of the actual original willbe scanned) despite any slight deviation which may exist in the positionof the actual scan region relative to established scan region 263attributable to the mechanical precision of the scanner mechanism and/ordespite what could be moderate deviation in the orientation and locationof the actual original relative to standard orientation and location. Avalue of 1.5 mm might, for example, be employed for top and left margins264 and 266; a value of 3 mm might, for example, be employed for bottomand right margins 265 and 267.

[0126] The hybrid printer scans scan region 263, which is somewhatlarger than assumed original 262 as has been described, the image datacorresponding to this scan region 263 being output as scan image data251 shown in FIG. 16. As described above, the scan image data 251 whichis so output will in most cases contain image data for the entire regionof the actual original placed on glass original stage 261.

[0127]FIG. 18 is a drawing showing image size(s) for explaining imageenlargement processing 221 and cropping processing 232 in the context offour-sided borderless copying.

[0128] As indicated by arrow 279 in FIG. 18, during image enlargementprocessing 221, image data corresponding to scan region 263 (scan imagedata 251 at FIG. 16) is enlarged at prescribed enlargement about centerpoint 263C thereof, transforming it into image data of size as indicatedat region (hereinafter “enlarged scan region”) 271 shown in the drawing.Image data corresponding to this enlarged scan region 271 is theenlarged image data 252 shown in FIG. 16. Within the image datacorresponding to this enlarged scan region 271, image data correspondingto initial assumed original 262 is enlarged, as indicated by arrow 278,to become image data of size as at region (hereinafter “enlarged paperregion”) 273, which is somewhat larger in size than print media(printing paper) 272 previously specified by the user. This enlargedpaper region 273 is equal to a size obtainable by enlarging the size ofprint media 272 outward by amount(s) sufficient to accommodate top,bottom, left, and right printer margins 274, 275, 276, and 277 ofprescribed dimension(s).

[0129] Thereafter, during cropping processing 232, that portion 280(indicated by cross-hatching at FIG. 18) of the image data correspondingto enlarged scan region 271 that lies to the exterior of enlarged paperregion 273 is deleted, only the image data corresponding to enlargedpaper region 273 being extracted therefrom. The image data correspondingto enlarged paper region 273 extracted in this fashion is the printimage data 254 shown in FIG. 16. This print image data 254 istransferred to print engine 340, where it is used to drive theprinthead.

[0130] As described above, print image data 254 (image datacorresponding to enlarged paper region 273) is equal to a sizeobtainable by enlarging the size of print media 272 outward by amount(s)sufficient to accommodate top, bottom, left, and right printer margins274, 275, 276, and 277 of prescribed dimension(s). As a result, even ifthe position of the actual print media as supplied to the platendeviates somewhat from the standard position therefor due to themechanical precision of the paper feed mechanism of print engine 340,the actual print media will in most cases lie completely within theregion (enlarged paper region 273) on the platen occupied by the printimage data, this being the region which is scanned by the printhead. Asa result, four-sided borderless copying is made possible. Here, asspecific examples of the dimensions of the aforementioned top, bottom,left, and right printer margins 274, 275, 276, and 277, 3 mm may beemployed therefor.

[0131] While it need not always be so, the size of the original and thesize of the print media will in many cases be the same. Where the twoare the same, specific examples of values of enlargements employableduring image enlargement processing 221 might be 105% where thespecified size of the original is for example standard A4 size (210mm×297 mm), or 109% where the specified size of the original is forexample the Japanese postcard size (100 mm×148 mm).

[0132]FIG. 19 shows constitution and function of the principal parts ofyet another embodiment of a hybrid printer in accordance with thepresent invention.

[0133] This hybrid printer has mechanical construction as is shown inFIG. 1; furthermore, as shown in FIG. 19, there are at the interiorthereof scanner circuitry 310, ASIC(s) (Application Specified IC(s))320, firmware (i.e., microprocessor(s) executing firmware) 330, printengine(s) 340, and storage device(s) 350.

[0134] Scanner circuitry 310 is capable of carrying out prescanprocessing 311 and/or main scan processing 312 in manual and/orautomatic fashion. In the event that four-sided borderless copying is tobe carried out, scanner circuitry 310 might automatically carry outprescan processing 311 and main scan processing 312, in this order, incontinuous and automated fashion. At time(s) when prescan processing 311and/or main scan processing 312 is/are being carried out, firmware 330carries out scan control 231, controlling scan region(s) andresolution(s) in connection with the respective types of processing.

[0135] During prescan processing 351, the entire region which couldconceivably be occupied by original(s) (e.g., the entire region of theglass original stage) is scanned at high speed at some prescribed lowresolution (e.g., 50 dpi). Prescan image data 351 corresponding to theentire original stage and obtained as a result of prescan processing 311is temporarily stored in storage device(s) 350 such as, for example, RAMand/or hard drive(s).

[0136] After prescan processing 351 has been carried out, firmware 330reads prescan image data 351 from storage device 350 and moreovercarries out original region detection processing 331 with respect toprescan image data 351, detecting region(s) on the original stage atwhich actual original(s) exist.

[0137] Any of a variety of methods may be employed as method fororiginal region detection processing 331. The procedure listed at (1)through (5), below, represents one of such methods, which is presentedhere by way of example.

[0138] (1) Brightness values of respective pixels of prescan image data351 are binarized based on prescribed threshold(s). Where, for example,brightness values range from 0 to 255, a threshold of 210 might, forexample, be employed.

[0139] (2) The binary prescan image data 351 is subjected todownsampling. For example, each 4×4=16 pixels of binary prescan imagedata 351 can, by subjecting same to OR operation(s), be converted into 1pixel of downsampled binary prescan image data 351. In this example, theresolution of binary prescan image data 351 is reduced to one-fourth ofits initial resolution. Note that, hereinafter, the initial resolutionof binary prescan image data 351 will be referred to as the secondresolution thereof, and the resolution obtained as a result ofdownsampling will be referred to as the first resolution thereof

[0140] (3) First-resolution binary prescan image data 351 obtained bydownsampling is subjected to labeling processing. While it is possibleto use any of a variety of algorithms for labeling processing, as oneexample thereof, two-pass-type labeling processing based on8-connectivity might be employed. As a result of labeling processing,groups of mutually connected pixels for which pixel value is equal to 1(labeled region(s) of pixel value 1) are extracted from first-resolutionbinary prescan image data 351.

[0141] (4) Labeled region(s) which have been extracted are subjected tonoise reduction processing, noise region(s) present due to inclusion ofdirt, dust, and/or the like during prescan of the original being removedfrom labeled region(s).

[0142] (5) Following noise reduction processing, the smallestrectangular region that completely encompasses the labeled region(s) isextracted as the original region.

[0143] After the original region has been detected within prescan imagedata 351 in such fashion, original region data 355 indicating theposition of that original region on the original stage is temporarilystored at storage device 350. Prescan image data 351 is deleted fromstorage device 350.

[0144] Main scan processing 312, performed by scanner circuitry 310, isautomatically executed thereafter. During main scan processing 312,firmware 330 uses original region data 355 to control the scan region soas to cause the entire expanse of the detected original region to becompletely scanned (in other words, so as to cause the detected originalregion to be completely enclosed by the scan region). Here, the scanregion may be controlled so as to cause it to exactly match the detectedoriginal region or may be controlled so as to cause it to be somewhatlarger than the detected original region as sufficient to accommodateprescribed scanner margin(s). Main scan image data 352 obtained as aresult of main scan processing 312 is temporarily stored at storagedevice 350.

[0145] ASIC 320 reads main scan image data 352 from storage device 350and moreover carries out image enlargement processing 321, enlargingmain scan image data 352 by a certain amount. Enlarged image data 352 istemporarily stored in storage device 350. ASIC 320 thereafter readsenlarged image data 353 from storage device 350 and moreover carries outcolor conversion/halftoning processing 322, converting such enlargedimage data 353 (e.g., RGB full-color image data) into enlarged dot imagedata 354 (e.g., CMYK binary image data) by means of which the initialimage is represented in simulated fashion through employment of an inkdot matrix. Enlarged dot image data 354 is temporarily stored in storagedevice 350. Note that either image enlargement processing 321 or colorconversion/halftoning processing 322, or both image enlargementprocessing 321 and color conversion/halftoning processing 322, may becarried out by, for example, executing firmware or other such computerprogram instead of or in combination with ASIC(s).

[0146] Firmware 330 reads enlarged dot image data 354 from storagedevice 350 and moreover carries out cropping processing 333, deletingunwanted perimeter portion(s) from enlarged dot image data 354 andextracting as effective print image data 356 the portion(s) whichremain. Extracted print image data 356 is temporarily stored in storagedevice 350 and is thereafter transferred to print engine 340. Printengine 340 uses print image data 356 to drive printhead(s), as a resultof which printout(s) is/are created.

[0147]FIG. 20 shows a plan view of an original stage for explaining scanregion(s) in connection with prescan and main scan in the context offour-sided borderless copying.

[0148] At FIG. 20, plate glass original stage 261 is captured withinoriginal stage frame 260, this frame being constituted by the hybridprinter housing. A user might place an original 362 of desired size onglass original stage 261, and might request that the hybrid printercarry out four-sided borderless copying. Upon so doing, the hybridprinter might carry out the aforementioned prescan processing 311. Thescan region employed during prescan processing 311 is set so as to be aregion which includes the entire region that could conceivably beoccupied by original(s) 362, e.g., a region 361 somewhat larger thanglass original stage 261. The hybrid printer scans this prescan scanregion 361 at high-speed and outputs image data corresponding to thisscan region 361 (prescan image 351 at FIG. 19).

[0149] Next, the aforementioned original region detection processing 331is carried out, actual original region 362 being detected within scanregion 361. The aforementioned main scan processing 312 is thereaftercarried out, detected original region 362 being scanned. While the scanregion employed during main scan processing 312, even when found to beexactly identical to original region 362, may be made somewhat largerthan same in order to accommodate prescribed scanner margin(s) (i.e.,the only requirement here being that original region 362 be completelyenclosed by scan region 263), the description which follows is, forconvenience of description, predicated upon a situation in which a scanregion exactly identical to original region 362 is employed.

[0150]FIG. 21 is a drawing showing image size(s) for explaining imageenlargement processing 321 and cropping processing 333 in the context offour-sided borderless copying.

[0151] As indicated by arrow 378 in FIG. 21, during image enlargementprocessing 321, image data corresponding to original region 362 (mainscan image data 352 at FIG. 19) is enlarged about center point 362Cthereof, transforming it into image data of size such as that of region(hereinafter referred to as “enlarged original region”) 371 shown in thedrawing. Image data corresponding to this enlarged original region 371is the enlarged image data 353 shown in FIG. 19. The horizontaldimension or the vertical dimension (preferably whichever is shorter) ofthis enlarged original region 371 is equal to that of a region(hereinafter “enlarged paper region”) 273 somewhat larger than printmedia (printing paper) 272 previously specified by the user. Thisenlarged paper region 273 is equal to a size obtainable by enlarging thesize of print media (printing paper) 272 outward by amount(s) sufficientto accommodate top, bottom, left, and right printer margins 274, 275,276, and 277 of prescribed dimension(s). In the event that the aspectratio of original region 362 is the same as that of print media 272,enlarged original region 371 will match enlarged paper region 273. Butwhere, as at the example shown in FIG. 21, the aspect ratio of originalregion 362 is different from that of print media 272, enlarged originalregion 371 will be larger, in the horizontal or the vertical dimension,than enlarged paper region 273. Here, as specific examples of thedimensions of the aforementioned top, bottom, left, and right printermargins 274, 275, 276, and 277, 3 mm may be employed therefor.

[0152] Thereafter, during cropping processing 333, that portion 372(indicated by cross-hatching at FIG. 21) of the image data correspondingto enlarged original region 371 that lies to the exterior of enlargedpaper region 273 is deleted, only the image data corresponding toenlarged paper region 273 being extracted therefrom. The image datacorresponding to enlarged paper region 273 extracted in this fashion isthe print image data 356 shown in FIG. 21. This print image data 356 istransferred to print engine 340, where it is used to drive theprinthead.

[0153] Whereas a number of preferred embodiments of the presentinvention have been described above, these have been presented asexamples for purposes of describing the present invention and withoutintent to limit the scope of the present invention to these embodimentsalone. The present invention may be carried out in the context of a widevariety of other modes and embodiments.

1. A hybrid printer comprising: an original stage; a scanner scanning ascan region of the original stage and outputting image datacorresponding to the scan region; a controller controlling the scanregion; an image processor processing the image data output from thescanner; and a printer using the image data output by the processor tocarry out printing at print medium; wherein the controller has means forcontrolling the scan region so as to cause the scan region to match orbe larger than an original region detected or assumed to exist at theoriginal stage in order to permit the scan region to encompass theoriginal region; wherein the processor has means for enlarging, so as tobe larger than the size of the print medium, the image datacorresponding to the original region encompassed by the image datacorresponding to the scan region from the scanner; and wherein the printengine carries out printing at the print medium using the image datacorresponding to the original region enlarged by the processor so as tobe larger than the size of the print medium to.
 2. A hybrid printeraccording to claim 1 further comprising: an original region assumerestablishing the original region which is assumed to exist based onpreviously specified original size; wherein the controller controls thescan region so as to cause the scan region to be a region enlargedoutward to accommodate a prescribed top, bottom, left, and right marginsaround the assumed original region established by the original regionassumer.
 3. A hybrid printer according to claim 1 further comprising: anoriginal region detecting means detecting an actual original region atthe original stage; wherein the controller controls the scan region soas to cause the scan region to match the original region detected by theoriginal region detecting means or to be a region enlarged outward toaccommodate a prescribed top, bottom, left, and right margin around thedetected original region.
 4. A hybrid printer according to claim 3wherein: the scanner has a prescan means for scanning the original stageprior to scanning of the scan region and outputting the original stageimage data; and the original region detecting means detects the originalregion or regions based on the original stage image data output by theprescan means.
 5. A hybrid printer according to claim 1 wherein: theprocessor further has a cropping means for cropping away, from the imagedata corresponding to the scan region, a subset thereof which is notimage data corresponding to the original region, so as to extracttherefrom a portion or portions of the image data corresponding to theoriginal region.
 6. A hybrid printer according to claim 1 furthercomprising: a print start controller controlling a print start locationof the print engine in correspondence to a magnification at which theimage data corresponding to the original region is enlarged by theprocessor.
 7. A scan image copying method comprising: the step ofscanning scan region which is defined so as to match or be larger thanan original region detected or assumed to exist at an original stage,and obtaining image data corresponding to the scan region; the step ofenlarging image data corresponding to the original region encompassed bythe obtained image data corresponding to the scan region so as to belarger than the size of a print medium; and the step of carrying outprinting at the print medium by using the image data corresponding tothe original region enlarged so as to be larger than the print medium.8. A computer program for causing a hybrid printer to carry out a scanimage copying method, the scan image copying method comprising: the stepof scanning a scan region which is defined so as to match or be largerthan an original region detected or assumed to exist at an originalstages, and obtaining image data corresponding to the scan region; thestep of enlarging image data corresponding to the original regionencompassed by the obtained image data corresponding to the scan regionso as to be larger than the size of a print medium; and the steps ofcarrying out printing at the print medium by using the image datacorresponding to the original region enlarged so as to be larger thanthe print medium.
 9. A hybrid printer comprising: an original stage; ascanners scanning a scan region of the original stage and outputtingimage data corresponding to the scan region; a controller controllingthe scan region; an image processor processing the image data outputfrom the scanner; and printer using the image data output by theprocessor to carry out printing at a print medium; wherein thecontroller has a mean for controlling the scan region so as to cause thescan region to be smaller than an original region detected or assumed toexist at the original stage in order to permit the original region toencompass the scan region; wherein the processor has a mean forenlarging, so as to be larger than the size of the print medium, theimage data corresponding to the scan region from the scanner; andwherein the print engine carries out printing at the print medium byusing the image data corresponding to the scan region enlarged by theprocessor so as to be larger than the size of the print medium.
 10. Ahybrid printer according to claim 9 wherein: the controller controls thescan region so as to cause the scan region to be a region reduced inwardfrom the original region by the prescribed scanner margin; the processorenlarges the image data corresponding to the scan region so as to causethe image data corresponding to the scan region to be the sizeobtainable by enlarging outward to accommodate the prescribed printermargin around the size of at least one of the print medium; and thescanner margin is smaller than the printer margin.
 11. A hybrid printeraccording to claim 9 further comprising: a print start controllercontrolling a print start location of the print engine in correspondenceto a magnification at which the image data corresponding to the originalregion is enlarged by the processor.
 12. A scan image copying methodcomprising: the step of scanning a scan region which is defined so as tobe smaller than an original region detected or assumed to exist at anoriginal stage, obtaining image data corresponding to the scan region;the step of enlarging the obtained image data corresponding to the scanregion so as to be larger than the size of the print medium; and thestep of carrying out printing at the print medium by using the imagedata corresponding to the original region enlarged so as to be largerthan the size of the print medium.
 13. A hybrid printer comprising: anoriginal stage; a scanner scanning a region of the original stage andoutputting image data corresponding to the scan region; a processorprocessing the image data corresponding to the scan region from thescanner and creating print image data; a printer using the print imagedata from the processor to carry out printing at a print medium; and aselector selecting a variety of mode from among at least two of aplurality of varieties of copy modes including a normal copy mode, aborderless copy modes, and a unity magnification modes; wherein theprocessor (1) when the normal copy mode is selected: creates, eitherwith or without alteration of the size of the image data correspondingto the scan region, the print image data in such manner as to cause itto be smaller in size than the print medium; (2) when the borderlesscopy mode is selected: creates, with alteration of the size of the imagedata corresponding to the scan region, the print image data in suchmanner as to cause it to be larger in size than the print medium; and/or(3) when the unity magnification copy mode is selected: creates theprint image data without alteration of the size of the image datacorresponding to at least one of the scan region.
 14. A hybrid printeraccording to claim 13 further comprising: a print start controllercontrolling a print start location of the print engine in correspondenceto the mode selected by the selector.
 15. A scan image copying methodcomprising: the step of scanning a scan region at an original stage, andobtaining image data corresponding to the scan region; the step ofobtaining print image data by processing the obtained image datacorresponding to the scan region; the step of carrying out printing at aprint medium by using the print image data; and the step of selecting amode from among at least two of a plurality of varieties of copy modesincluding a normal copy mode, a borderless copy mode, and a unitymagnification mode; wherein, in the step of obtaining the print imagedata, (1) when the normal copy mode is selected: the print image data iscreated in such manner as to cause it to be smaller in size than theprint medium, either with or without alteration of the size of the imagedata corresponding to the scan region; (2) when the borderless copy modeis selected: the print image data is created in such manner as to causeit to be larger in size than the print medium, with alteration of thesize of the image data corresponding to the scan region; and/or (3) whenthe unity magnification copy mode is selected: the print image data iscreated without alteration of the size of the image data correspondingto the scan region.
 16. A computer program for causing a hybrid printerto carry out scan image copying method, the scan image copying methodcomprising: the step of scanning a scan region at an original stage, andobtaining image data corresponding to the scan region; the step ofobtaining print image data by processing the obtained image datacorresponding to the scan region; the step of carrying out printing at aprint medium by using the print image data; and the step of selecting amode from among at least two of a plurality of varieties of copy modesincluding a normal copy mode, a borderless copy mode, and a unitymagnification mode; wherein, in the step of obtaining the print imagedata, (1) when the normal copy mode is selected: the print image data iscreated in such manner as to cause it to be smaller in size than theprint medium, either with or without alteration of the size of the imagedata corresponding to the scan region; (2) when the borderless copy modeis selected: the print image data is created in such manner as to causeit to be larger in size than the print medium, with alteration of thesize of the image data corresponding to the scan region; and/or (3) whenthe unity magnification copy mode is selected: the print image data iscreated without alteration of the size of the image data correspondingto the scan region.